North East mayor launches transport consultation

A new public consultation is inviting local residents to shape the future of transport in the North East, with a vision for a greener, integrated system accessible to all.

Mayor Kim McGuinness has introduced the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP), outlining goals for a safe, reliable, and sustainable transport network to improve accessibility and reduce emissions across the region.

She said: “My Local Transport Plan is unapologetically ambitious – I want to make the North East the home of real opportunity and to do that, we need to invest and improve our transport network for all.   

“I know transport is a huge enabler for local people and how we travel across the region every day is hugely impactful to all of our lives.

“I speak to people every day about problems they face with the buses, or congested roads or infrastructure which urgently needs upgrading – we are serious about delivering more impactful change than ever before and I am determined to deliver improvements for local people. We deserve a world-class green transport network.  

“Whether you drive, use public transport or walk and cycle, your views are incredibly important and I want to hear what you think.

“Please get involved – fill in the survey or attend one of the consultation events and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Let's create an ambitious plan together to grow and invest in our transport network so it can be truly transformational.” 

The LTP focuses on journey planning, ticketing, infrastructure resilience, safety - particularly for women and girls - and multimodal connectivity, with a roadmap through 2040.

People are being asked to share their views and submit feedback on the plan from 4 November to 26 January 2025 through an online survey or the North East CA website.

The mayor’s Local Transport Plan and an accompanying proposed Delivery Plan includes plans to: 

• Take buses back into public control and deliver a truly integrated transport network.
• Improve the safety of women and girls and other vulnerable groups including more Metro gatelines, safer stops and shelters, and an accessibility review by 2027.
• Expand and improve transport infrastructure – including investment in the shields ferry, Metro and across the bus network - including new stations, as well as maintenance and renewals.
• Provide free travel for under 18s and deliver ‘tap on tap off’ contactless payments for Metro by 2027 – and region-wide by 2032.
• Fund active travel infrastructure to encourage safe walking, wheeling and cycling and launch a new region-wide e-bike hire scheme.
• Boost electric vehicle charging infrastructure – helping more people to make the switch to low-carbon transport. 
  Invest in road and rail – including the re-opening of the Leamside Line, extending the Metro to Washington, upgrading the East Coast Main Line, A1 dualling from Ellingham to Scotland and other junction upgrades.

How to get involved

Local people can get involved in the consultation in a number of ways between 4 November 2024 and 26 January 2025. 

• Find out more about the Mayor’s Local Transport Plan and fill in the survey online at northeast-ca.gov.uk/localtransportplan  
• Write to the Combined Authority at North East Combined Authority, The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5BZ  
• Send an email at haveyoursay@northeast-ca.gov.uk  
• Call on 0191 277 7010
• Attend one of the many region-wide in person consultation events planned. Find out more about drop in events at northeast-ca.gov.uk/localtransportplan 
   

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